Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Coronavirus: Inquiries

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to supporting the government of Australia in calling for an international independent inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation, with significant global implications. It is vital that we all learn the lessons of this pandemic and, as the Foreign Secretary has said, there will need to be a review in time. We will work with all our international partners, including Australia, on this. Right now we are focused on the immediate response and working alongside other countries to stop the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus: Children

baroness sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures being developed to support street children during the COVID-19 pandemic (1) the Department for International Development, and (2) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, are aware of; what measures the Government are implementing in the UK; and what steps they are taking to involvespecialist expert organisations in the development of such measures.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is committed to protecting the most vulnerable children in the world. We are working with international partners to ensure that child protection is integrated into a comprehensive, multi-sectoral response to Covid-19 which supports the most marginalised and vulnerable groups around the world, often with limited or no state protection, including children who live and work on the streets. We provide significant support to protect children from violence in conflict and humanitarian crises and to reduce their risks of exploitation and neglect. We welcome the statement made by the Chairpersons of the 10 UN Treaty Bodies on 24 March calling for a human rights approach in fighting COVID-19 and in the subsequent guidance provided by other Treaty Bodies, such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child.Providing financial support to UNICEF enables the UK to protect vulnerable children across the world who would be significantly affected by the spread of COVID-19, and through emergency grants to "Education Cannot Wait" we are supporting children in 16 Covid-19 hit countries. We are also working to ensure that existing UK programming is responsive to the challenge of supporting those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.Work on supporting street children in the UK does not come under the remit of the Department for International Development or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Human Rights

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the report by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Global Britain: Human Rights and the Rule of Law (HC 874), published on 11 September 2018, in particular its recommendation that “repercussions, including the suspension of support” should be introduced for those states that do not make sufficient progress, or regress, in areas of rule of law and democracy; and (2) the report by the Freedom House Freedom in the World 2019: Bahrain which stated that Bahrain has “become one of the Middle East’s most repressive’ states”; and what steps, if any, they have taken in response to those reports' findings and recommendations.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We take note of a number of sources of information when assessing performance and progress. We continue to believe that Bahrain is taking steps in the right direction to improve its human rights record, in line with the Government's Plan which built on the reform recommendations set out in the 2012 BICI Report. Whilst we and the Government of Bahrain acknowledge this is a work in progress, our support for this Bahrain-led reform is helping to build effective and accountable institutions, strengthen the rule of law and deliver justice reform. All our support is in line with international standards, and aims to share the UK's expertise and experience. Any training provided by, or behalf of, the British Government fully complies with our domestic and international human rights obligations.

Gulf States: Overseas Aid

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29 January (HC 9712), what assessment was made before their decision to extend the Integrated Activity Fund beyond the initial four-year period; and what plans they have to publish that assessment.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Ahead of the Spending Round presented to Parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in September 2019, the Governance Board of the Integrated Activity Fund considered the effectiveness of the Fund in August 2019. This was also informed by regular monitoring and evaluation of projects against their objectives and value for money considerations. We do not plan to publish these internal reports.

Bahrain: Religious Freedom

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief on 11 September 2019 that “reform is taking place” in Bahrain, what assessment they have made of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s Annual Report 2020: Bahrain Chapter, published in April, which states that Bahrain “continued its ongoing and systematic discrimination against some Shi’a Muslims on the basis of their religious identity” in 2019, noting in particular the mistreatment of Shi’a prisoners, the harassment of Shi’a Imams and jailed Shi’a activists who advocate for greater freedom of religion in Bahrain.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is a human rights priority for the UK Government. Bahrain was the first country visited by the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on FoRB in September 2019. The Special Envoy discussed FoRB with religious leaders from the range of different faiths represented in Bahrain. Our most recent assessment of Bahrain was published as part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Human Rights and Democracy Report in June 2019. We take note of a number of sources of information when making assessments.

Bahrain: Press Freedom

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the publication of the Reporters Without Borders 2020 World Press Freedom Index which saw Bahrain drop to 169 out of 180 countries, a fall of two places since last year and five places since 2017, what assessment they have made of the state of press freedom in Bahrain; and whether any such assessment will impact their provision of technical assistance to that country.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We take note of a number of sources of information when assessing a country's performance. We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to protect freedom of expression for all of its citizens. We have not provided technical assistance to Bahrain in this area.

Syria: Proscribed Organisations

baroness eaton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of people in Idlib who belong to an armed group that has been proscribed (1) by the UK Government, and (2) under the UN Security Council Resolution 1267.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Given the complex and evolving situation on the ground, it is difficult to accurately assess the number of persons belonging to proscribed armed groups in Idlib, Syria. We estimate there may be around 19,000-25,000 persons belonging to proscribed armed groups in total, of which the majority (approximately 12,000-15,000) belong to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. We estimate Huras Al Din and the Turkistan Islamic Party each have around 3,500-5,000 members. There are also likely to be small numbers of individuals aligned to Daesh. The estimated total number of persons belonging to proscribed armed groups represents less than one percent of the approximately three million people living in Idlib.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about reports that settlers are building a road on Palestinian land near Dura in the West Bank.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we have not made representations on these reports, we continue to oppose settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Our policy is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and damaging to renewed efforts to launch peace negotiations.

Israeli Settlements

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the viability of a one-state solution if the government of Israel annexes parts of the West Bank, (2) the potential for equal rights of Israelis and Palestinians within any annexed areas, and (3) the impact of any such annexation.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: As we made clear at the UN Security Council remote meeting on the Middle East Peace Process on 23 April, we are deeply concerned by reports that the new Israeli Government coalition has reached an agreement which may pave the way for annexation of parts of the West Bank. The UK position is clear: any unilateral moves towards annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel would be damaging to efforts to restart peace negotiations and contrary to international law. The Government judges that a one-state solution is incompatible with the national aspirations of both peoples and remains committed to a two-state solution.

USA: Open Skies Treaty

lord browne of ladyton: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 30 April (HL3303), in the absence of a suitable equipped aircraft for observation flights, howthey carry out or participate in such flights; and whether they have plans to acquire a new Open Skies airframe equipped with the latest authenticated sensor technology.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Since 2008 the UK has not possessed any Open Skies capable aircraft. Instead, the UK hires Open Skies aircraft from other participating States in order to conduct its missions. This continues to be assessed to be the most cost effective way of delivering the capability for the UK. There is currently no intention to procure an Open Skies aircraft for the future.

Saudi Arabia: Detainees

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what urgent representations they will make to the government of Saudi Arabia to request the release of any (1) female activists, and (2) political prisoners, who have been detained without charge.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the continued detention of women's rights activists and political detainees in Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about the ongoing detention of political detainees, including women's rights defenders, during his visit to Riyadh on 4 and 5 March. We raise concerns about individual cases regularly and will continue to call for political detainees to be given adequate legal representation.

Syria: Armed Conflict

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Amnesty International’s Nowhere is safe for us: unlawful attacks and mass displacement in north-west Syria, published on 10 May; and what steps they intend to take in response.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We assess that Amnesty International's report provides useful further evidence of unlawful attacks by the Assad regime and Russia on civilian targets in Idlib. It therefore complements recent reports by the UN Commission of Inquiry and the UN Board of Inquiry. The UK continues to call for accountability for these crimes and for all parties, including the Assad regime and Russia, to respect the ceasefire in Idlib and to abide by International Humanitarian Law. We also continue to support those displaced by the recent offensive, as documented in the Amnesty International report. The Department for International Development has allocated at least £50 million to humanitarian organisations delivering aid cross-border from Turkey primarily into north-west Syria, in addition to the £118 million allocated for this purpose in financial year 2019/20.

Department for Education

Home Education

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the National Education Union has instructed teachers not to provide online lessons from home.

baroness berridge: On its website, the National Education Union has highlighted the importance of any school which carries out online lessons having protocols in place to protect staff and safeguard pupils. They also advise teachers against live streaming lessons from home and say that any contact between pupils and teachers should only be through a platform provided by the school and not through personalised accounts open to public viewing.We know that school leaders, teachers and pupils are all having to adjust to remote education strategies. While this is happening, it is more important than ever that schools continue to follow safeguarding procedures. The department has published guidance on safeguarding and remote education during COVID-19 at:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-and-remote-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19.This recognises that teaching from home is different from teaching in the classroom and confirms that ‘there is no expectation that teachers should live stream or provide pre-recorded videos. Schools should consider the approaches that best suit the needs of their pupils and staff.’All schools and colleges should be considering the safety of their children when they are asked to work online. The starting point for online teaching should be that the same principles as set out in the school’s or college’s staff behaviour policy (sometimes known as a code of conduct) should be followed. This policy should amongst other things include acceptable use of technologies. The policy should apply equally to any existing or new online and distance learning arrangements which are introduced.Further guidance for schools and colleges to support them keeping children safe, including online, during the COVID-19 outbreak is also available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Recruitment

lord touhig: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many former service personnel discharged from the services on disciplinary grounds have (1) applied to rejoin the armed forces and (2) been accepted and rejoined.

baroness goldie: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Shipbuilding: Submarines

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers byBaroness Goldie on 11 May (HL3566 and HL3735),whether COVID-19 safety measures have caused any delay to ASTUTE hulls 5, 6 and 7; and what were the expected planned approximate dates for the commissioning of ASTUTE hulls 5,6 and 7.

baroness goldie: We are working closely with our industry partners to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on our submarine programmes. The planned in-service dates of submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. The individual commissioning dates of the remaining three Astute class submarines are yet to be determined.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Coronavirus

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of (1) the number, and (2) the proportion, of new Universal Credit claimants since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic who are covered by the nine month grace period.

baroness stedman-scott: Information relating to Universal Credit claimants who will be exempt from the benefit cap for the nine-month grace period is not readily available, to provide it would incur disproportionate costs.

Disability: Public Lavatories

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many RADAR toilet facilities in England remain open for use during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what this is as a percentage of total RADAR toilet facilities.

baroness stedman-scott: The Government does not keep a record of which toilets are open and which are locked with a Radar key either pre or during the Covid-19 situation. The Radar National Key Scheme offers disabled people independent access to over 9,000 locked public toilets around the country with one key. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafes, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in the country, and are operated by a wide range of organisations.

Home Office

Modern Slavery Act 2015 Independent Review

lord bates: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the operation and effectiveness of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

baroness williams of trafford: In July 2018, the Government commissioned an Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 led by Baroness Butler-Sloss, the Rt. Hon. Frank Field and the Rt. Hon. Maria Miller MP. The Review considered where the Act is working well and where implementation can be strengthened. The Government welcomed the findings of the Review and we responded formally in July 2019. The Government accepted or partially accepted the majority of the Review’s 80 recommendations and we are taking action to implement these recommendations.



Government Response to Modern Slavery Act 
(PDF Document, 410.86 KB)




Ind Review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
(PDF Document, 2.69 MB)

Refugees: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will suspend the return of refugees arriving on UK territory to northern France.

baroness williams of trafford: The UK does not return those refugees who have been granted refugee status in the UK to France or elsewhere. We do, however, return asylum seekers who are yet to have a decision on their asylum claim in the UK to ensure their claim is considered in the right place. This may be to France or other states who participate in the Dublin Regulation.During the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to comply with the Dublin Regulation and remain committed to ensuring transfers continue to and from the UK. This is a fast-changing situation and we, along with other countries across Europe, will be subject to wider Government decisions and travel restrictions.

Refugees: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are taking, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that refugees at the UK-France border belonging to at-risk groups,including (1) victims of trafficking, (2) unaccompanied minors, (3) LGBTQ+ persons, (4) people with disabilities, and (5) victims of physical, mental or sexual abuse, can access the necessary protections.

baroness williams of trafford: The identification and relocation of vulnerable migrants on French territory remains the domestic responsibility of the French government, who are currently working to transfer those residing in camps into reception centres. At these centres, asylum claims can be lodged and any other welfare needs assessed. Since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in France, over 600 migrants have been moved to accommodation centres to aid with social distancing measures. Within these centres, individuals are provided with medical and administrative support.The UK is also committed to meeting our obligations to transfer unaccompanied children to the UK where they have eligible family here and where transfer is in their best interests under the Dublin Regulation. An unaccompanied child must first claim asylum in the EU Member State in which they are present, and the Member State must then raise a Take Charge Request with the UK Government.Additionally, specialist trained officers are present at all of our Juxtaposed controls, who assist in supporting those identified as vulnerable. We work closely with both French and Belgian partners to ensure that these individuals receive the support they need. All officers receive regular training on safeguarding and when to seek support from a specialist trained officer. Special arrangements are in place at the Juxtaposed controls to refer cases with vulnerability elements to the French and Belgian Police.

Immigrants: Detainees

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the use of administrative immigration detention in the UK’s short-term holding facilities in northern France will be discontinued for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.

baroness williams of trafford: Short term holding rooms in Northern France are still in operation. High-risk individuals displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are referred to the French authorities in the first instance. All Border Force staff continue to adhere to Public Health England guidance to ensure we follow the latest scientific advice and seek specific guidance for our frontline operations.

Asylum: Wakefield

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conditions, and treatment of asylum-seekers, in Urban House in Wakefield, following reports that individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms have been forced to share rooms with others there.

baroness williams of trafford: We’ve conducted a thorough assessment of Urban House with local health partners and have put in place steps in accordance with all of their recommendations. These steps include staggering meal times, increasing staff numbers, providing information and guidance in a variety of languages, stopping all new arrivals into Urban House.Although room sharing is in place, no one is forced to share rooms with anyone displaying COVID 19 symptoms. Those with underlying health conditions and people over 70 years of age should also be moved to the appropriate hotel accommodation following PHE guidance

Asylum: Housing

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many asylum-seekers in housing provided by the Government or local authorities, including through private contractors, are still in shared rooms of two or more people.

baroness williams of trafford: We do not hold he information requested. However, although room sharing is in place, no one is forced to share rooms with anyone displaying COVID 19 symptoms.PHE Guidance recommends that separate rooms should be provided for symptomatic people, or they should be moved to hotels. Those with underlying health conditions and people over 70 years of age should also be moved to the appropriate hotel accommodation following PHE guidance, unless individuals do not wish to be moved. We are reviewing each case on an individual basis and continue to work with our providers to ensure the guidance is followed.

Immigration: Coronavirus

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow those with irregular migration status leave to remain in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness williams of trafford: The Immigration Rules already provide for undocumented migrants to regularise their status.If appropriate in light of the situation in their country of origin, irregular migrants may claim asylum. The UK has a long and proud history of providing protection to those who need it and we will continue to uphold our obligations under the Refugee Convention during this time. Therefore, whilst ensuring that the Home Office is adhering to Public Health England’s advice in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak, decisions are continuing to be served on asylum claims on a case by case basis where there is sufficient evidence for us to make an accurate and well-informed decision in-line with published policy.Even if an application is refused, measures we have implemented already guarantee that an individual can remain safely accommodated and be able to follow public health guidance, whilst maintaining access to financial support and healthcare until the end of June, and this will be kept under review.There are no plans to provide temporary leave to remain to all asylum applicants or those with insecure status.

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Surveillance

lord hodgson of astley abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional powers, if any, have been granted to the police and other bodies in relation to the use of drone surveillance technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord hodgson of astley abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government which (1) public bodies, and (2) private companies assisting public bodies, are using drone surveillance technology in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord hodgson of astley abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they have produced in relation to the use of drone surveillance technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord hodgson of astley abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the use of drone surveillance technology during the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary and proportionate.

lord hodgson of astley abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance has been issued on the collection, use and storage of data collected by drone surveillance technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness williams of trafford: Decisions to use drones and in which circumstances are operational matters for police forces who are subject to the requirements of the Air Navigation Order and Data Protection legislation when operating drones. The Police have not been granted any additional powers to use drones during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Health Protection Regulations 2020 give police the powers they need to enforce compliance with the social distancing measures and all use of police powers must be legitimate, necessary and proportionate.The Civil Aviation Authority have granted the Emergency Services, including the police, an exemption from some of the requirements contained in the Air Navigation Order 2016, to support the enforcement of Government COVID-19 restrictions. These changes do not grant extra powers to police. They relax restrictions in place for operating drones for the specific case of enforcing Covid-19 restrictions. Mitigation for use of the exemption needs to be written into the Operations Manuals of drone teams and use needs to be reported to the CAA on renewal of the permission.The Home Office does not hold any information on the use of drones by other public bodies in relation to Covid-19.The Data Protection Act and the Surveillance Camera Code govern police use of surveillance cameras.

Police Custody: Mental Health and Learning Disability

lord bradley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect people who have been taken into police custody andhave (1) mental health conditions, and (2) learning disabilities, from COVID-19.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office continues to have regular contact with the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and other key stakeholders regarding custody related matters. The NPCC have circulated guidance for all police forces in order for them to safely manage their custody suites with respect to all detainees, staff and visitors.

Refugees: Greece

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish the Joint Action Plan by the UK and Greece on migration in full; what assessment they have made of the impact of that Plan on bona fide refugees, even if those refugees are undocumented; and what plans they have to speed up the transfer of refugees and migrants from the Aegean Islands to the Greek mainland.

baroness williams of trafford: The UK-Greece Action Plan signed on 22 April 2020 has been published here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-greece-migration-action-planThis takes forward co-operation with Greece on tackling irregular migration in the Eastern Mediterranean and joint action to improve overall management of migration. It covers joint work on organised immigration crime; sharing of expertise on asylum processes and migrant returns; renewed deployment of a Border Force cutter to the Aegean to carry our search and rescue and save lives; facilitation of family reunification of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children where it is in their best interests as quickly as possible; and establishment of a strategic migration dialogue.The UK Government continues to engage with Greece regarding the conditions on the islands where appropriate and necessary. At present the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum has enacted emergency measures to contain potential coronavirus outbreaks, including the provision of additional medical facilities and staff to the islands through the EU’s Emergency Support Instrument. We also understand that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 - the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions – have been moved to safer accommodation on the islands and the mainland. These measures have so far been effective and there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in the camps on the Greek islands.

Refugees

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide temporary Leave to Remain to all asylum applicants, and others, with insecure refugee status.

baroness williams of trafford: The UK has a long and proud history of providing protection to those who need it and we will continue to uphold our obligations under the Refugee Convention during this time. Therefore, whilst ensuring that the Home Office is adhering to Public Health England’s advice in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak, decisions are continuing to be served on asylum claims on a case by case basis where there is sufficient evidence for us to make an accurate and well-informed decision in-line with published policy.Even if an application is refused, measures we have implemented already guarantee that an individual can remain safely accommodated and be able to follow public health guidance, whilst maintaining access to financial support and healthcare until the end of June, and this will be kept under review.As a result of this, there are no plans to provide temporary leave to remain to all asylum applicants or those with insecure status.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Culture: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have touse the commissioning of public artworks as a mechanism to support the cultural sector during and after the COVID-19pandemic; and if they have any such plans, how they intend to do so.

baroness barran: DCMS is working with partners to ensure all major programmes and policies support the national renewal. Festival 2022 will begin its commissioning phase this year through funded R&D with the sectors, and the Government Art Collection, which directly supports emerging and established British artists and galleries in the visual arts sector through their annual acquisitions budget, is looking to ensure this year’s acquisitions respond to the current situation. The Government has already announced an unprecedented package of measures in place to provide immediate and vital support to the cultural sector during this pandemic. These include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self Employment Support Scheme, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, business rates relief and cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. DCMS has also worked with various Arms Length Bodies to create tailored funding packages to support the cultural sector at this time. Arts Council England has announced a £160m emergency response package to complement the financial measures already announced by the Government and support the resilience of this vital sector. This funding package will support organisations and individuals who need the most support to see them through this crisis.